Saint Dominic and Saint Francis Protecting the World from the Wrath of Christ

Rubens painted Saint Dominic and Saint Francis Protecting the World from the Wrath of Christ around 1620, an ambitious allegorical composition showing the founders of the Dominican and Franciscan orders interceding with Christ on behalf of humanity. The painting reflects the Counter-Reformation emphasis on the intercessory role of saints and the importance of religious orders in the salvation of souls. The subject was particularly popular with Dominican and Franciscan patrons.

The dramatic composition divides between the wrathful Christ above and the interceding saints below, with dynamic diagonal movements creating tension between divine justice and mercy. Rubens' warm palette and powerful figure modeling generate enormous dramatic energy.

This Counter-Reformation altarpiece has been conserved with attention to preserving its theological clarity. The painting has been cleaned to remove darkened varnish. The dramatic vertical composition dividing heaven from earth remains legible despite some darkening in the lower register.